Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
Minutes
Coral Academy of Science Board Retreat Meeting
Date and Time
Saturday August 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Location
2450 Hampton Rd,
Henderson, NV 89052
Posting of Agenda: This agenda has been posted at the following locations:
2450 Hampton Rd. Henderson, NV 89052, CASLV website at www.caslv.org, and Nevada Public Notice website at http://notice.nv.gov.
Format / Procedures / Rules: This is a notice of a public meeting held pursuant to NRS Chapter 241. Members of the public are invited to be present.
Certain items may be removed from open/public consideration if permitted or required by Nevada law. The Board may also (i) take agenda items out of order; (ii) combine two or more items for consideration; (iii) separate one item into multiple items; (iv) table an agenda item to a future meeting; and/or (v) remove an agenda item.
Reasonable efforts will be made to assist and accommodate persons with physical disabilities desiring to attend the meeting. Please contact Ms. Shepard at ashepard@coralacademylv.org at least 48 hours before the time of the meeting, if possible, so that reasonable arrangements may conveniently be made.
Please also contact Ms. Shepard if you would like a copy of the agenda and any public reference materials relating to agenda items. Those materials will also be available at the meeting location. Those materials would provide you with greater context and clarity as to the matters under discussion.
By law, no one may willfully disrupt the meeting to the extent that its orderly conduct becomes impractical.
All items are action or possible action items if denoted as such.
Directors Present
Ahmet Dulger, Chan Lengsavath, Esq., Dr. Carryn Warren, Elizabeth Kazelskis, Feyzi Tandogan, Melinda Kabar
Directors Absent
Ann Diggins, Brin Gibson
Guests Present
Amber Nhan, CASLV Academic Program Coordinator, Andrea Katotakis, CASLV Tamarus Campus Principal, Andrea Shepard, CASLV Executive Assistant, Bridget Johnson-Peevy, CASLV Chief People OfficerBridget Johnson-Peevy, CASLV Chief People Officer, David Hall, CASLV Internal Legal Counsel, Dr. Ercan, CASLV Executive Director and CEO, Dr. Mustafa Gunozu, CASLV Chief Academic, Ismail Kocabiyik, CASLV Windmill Campus Principal, Mark Gardberg, Esq. CASLV Legal Counsel, Mine Eraslan, CASLV Assessment & Accountability Director, Nick Sarisahin, CASLV CFO and Operations Officer, Selim Tanyeri, CASLV Chief Student Services Officer
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
II. Consent Agenda
A.
May 26, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes (For Possible Action)
B.
Additional Curriculum Purchases (For Possible Action)
C.
Centennial Hills Campus Administrative Area Remodeling Change Order (For Possible Action)
III. Board Retreat Items
A.
Strategic Plan Progress Monitoring (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan presented a detailed report on the Strategic Plan's progress to the Board. The presentation provided a comprehensive review of key metrics, milestones achieved, and ongoing performance indicators across all strategic goals. Board members received the update, and a brief discussion followed regarding implementation timelines and next steps.
No formal action was required on this item.
B.
Virtual School & Future Expansion (For Possible Action)
Following an in-depth discussion regarding curriculum questions and additional details raised by Dr. Warren and other board members, the item was tabled.
C.
Board Committee Structures and Members (For Possible Action)
This item was tabled.
D.
Board Member Governance Training (For Possible Action)
Mr. Gardberg conducted a Board Member Governance Training session for the Board. The training covered key board duties, compliance requirements, and best practices in charter school governance. Board members actively participated in the discussion and reviewed current governance protocols.
No formal action was required on this item.
IV. Information/Discussion Items
A.
Report of Purchases and Expenses Between $10,000 and $25,000 (Information)
Dr. Ercan reviewed the purchases and expenses falling between $10,000 and $25,000 with the Board.
Information item only; no action was required.
B.
Start of School Update (Information)
Dr. Ercan presented the start of school update to the Board. The report included a comprehensive review of current enrollment numbers across all campuses, staffing updates, facility readiness, and operations following the opening of the school year. The Board received the update and discussed student enrollment targets and campus capacity.
Informational item only; no action was required.
C.
Facilities and Construction Project Updates (Information)
The Board received a summer facilities and construction projects update presented by Mr. Nick Sarisahin. The report highlighted key facility improvements completed or underway across multiple CASLV campuses, including hallway painting at Cadence; staff lounge remodeling at Centennial Hills; front entry and office/classroom relocations at Eastgate; hallway painting and LED lighting upgrades at Sandy Ridge; and new shade structures at Tamarus and Windmill.
Updates were also provided on renovations to the existing Nellis AFB Campus, including the remodeled front office, new classroom flooring, and low-voltage upgrades.
An update on the Nellis AFB new building construction was also presented. The project is approximately 40% complete, with concrete slabs poured and structural steel erection underway
Informational item only; no action was required.
D.
Executive Director’s Progress Report (Information)
Dr. Ercan Aydogdu presented the Executive Director’s Progress Report and provided updates on organizational initiatives, student achievements, campus events, and upcoming activities across CASLV.
Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas (CASLV) continues to expand its academic standing and organizational recognition:
Institutional & System Accreditations
Cognia Accreditation: CASLV earned System-Wide Initial Accreditation from Cognia.org, validating educational standards across all campuses.
Opportunity 180 North Star Awards: CASLV's Board of Directors received the Board Excellence Award, while the Cadence Campus was awarded the Excellence in Education Award.
Nevada MTSS-PBIS Recognitions: Seven campuses received honors from the Nevada Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Project:
- Diamond Status: Centennial Hills, Tamarus, Windmill, Eastgate
- Platinum Status: Nellis AFB, Sandy Ridge
- Gold Status: Cadence
Academic Performance & Media Coverage
AP Exam Results (Sandy Ridge Campus):
Overall AP pass rate reached 86% across 870 exams and 350 AP students.
100% pass rate in AP Precalculus (second consecutive year) and 96% pass rate in AP Calculus BC.
U.S. News & World Report Rankings (Sandy Ridge): Ranked #1 Best High School in Henderson, #1 Best Charter High School in Nevada, #3 Best High School in Nevada. Note: Both of the top two schools are either magnet or gifted schools; CASLV remains the only public school in the top three that does not select students based on academic criteria relying solely on a public lottery. #54 Best Charter High School in the Nation, and #240 Best High School in the Nation.
Media & City Recognition: Featured in the Las Vegas Sun for college readiness and recognized by Mayor Romero during a city council meeting.
Department & Student Achievements
NSPRA Award: Our Social Media Team won the National Publications and Digital Media Excellence Award from the National School Public Relations Association.
Buzzin' Falcons: Sandy Ridge team advanced to their first regional championship match, finishing as Regional Runner-Up at the LIQBA West Regional Tournament.
NSLI-Y Scholarship: Ty T. earned a U.S. Department of State scholarship to study Mandarin in Taiwan.
Congressional Award Summit: Idin A. and Lily N. represented CASLV at the 2026 Congressional Award Gold Medal Summit in D.C.
National Merit Scholarship: Raymond P. was named a National Merit Finalist and awarded a scholarship sponsored by UNLV.
SPCSA Board: Cason N. was appointed as a Student Representative on the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority Board.
Campus Events & Key Dates
Alumni Reunion: Hosted the 2026 Annual Alumni Reunion at the Sandy Ridge Campus on August 8.
Senior Sunrise: Sandy Ridge and Cadence (first-ever) campuses celebrated the Class of 2027.
Next Meeting: Board Retreat / Regular Meeting scheduled for September 23, 2026, at 4:30 PM at the Central Office.
V. Discussion & Possible Action Items- Contracts, Purchases, and Procurements
A.
Special Education Services Agreement Pricing Addenda (For Possible Action)
The Board reviewed proposed rate adjustments for contracted special education service providers, United Testing Service (UTS) and Wildflower. Mr. Selim explained that CASLV contracts with both vendors to provide school psychologists and related service personnel across all campuses to maintain compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring required evaluations, reevaluations, and IEP-mandated services are fulfilled.
The updated vendor rates, effective September 2026, reflect increased provider costs while ensuring uninterrupted access to qualified personnel and continued compliance with federal and state special education requirements.
B.
ProCare Initial Contract (For Possible Action)
Mr. Selim presented a recommendation to enter into a non-exclusive service agreement with ProCare Therapy. Mr. Selim explained that due to ongoing statewide staffing shortages in specialized special education fields, including school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, CASLV utilizes contract providers to supplement staffing and maintain full compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Partnering with ProCare Therapy as an additional non-exclusive staffing provider expands CASLV’s access to qualified personnel, ensures timely student evaluations, and maintains seamless delivery of required special education services.
C.
Cal Interpreting Services Contract (For Possible Action)
CASLV is required to provide language access services for families with limited English proficiency in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state regulations. This includes providing qualified interpreters during special education meetings and translating special education documents into a parent's native language, as appropriate.
Cal Interpreting & Translations will provide on-demand interpretation and translation services to support Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, evaluations, notices, and other required special education documents. These services will assist CASLV in ensuring meaningful parent participation and continued compliance with federal and state requirements
D.
Scoot Education (Substitute Teacher Provider) Agreement Pricing Addendum (For Possible Action)
Ms. Peevy indicated that CASLV contracts with Scoot Education to provide substitute teachers when campus-based substitutes are unavailable. Due to rising labor and operating costs, Scoot Education has notified CASLV of a rate increase for the 2026–2027 school year.
E.
Lunch Price Adjustment Approval (For Possible Action)
Mr. Nick explained that CASLV recently submitted its application to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) through the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA).
As part of the application and review process, NDA evaluated CASLV's paid lunch price. The Department advised CASLV that the current lunch price of $4.10 does not meet the applicable minimum paid lunch price requirement for participation in the program.
NDA advised the administration that the lunch price must be at least $4.15.
The purpose of the adjustment is not to generate additional revenue or materially change CASLV's food service pricing strategy. Rather, the adjustment is necessary to meet the minimum pricing requirement communicated by the NDA and support CASLV's participation
F.
Liability, Workers' Compensation, and Accident Insurance Renewal (For Possible Action)
Mr. Nick explained that the renewal provides continued coverage to protect the organization, its employees, students, and operations in accordance with applicable legal and operational requirements.
G.
City of North Las Vegas Utility Connection Fees for Nellis Expansion Project (For Possible Action)
During the permitting process, the City of North Las Vegas required the project to install a water lateral into Stafford Drive. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) connection fees for two (2) 2-inch water meters were assessed. The water meter connection fee alone totals $211,034, and when the additional City of North Las Vegas Public Works and Utilities fees are included, the total amount due is $230,496.35.
These fees are required by the City to move the project forward.
This expense will not affect the project budget, as it will be fully funded through the OLDCC
VI. Discussion/Possible Action Items-Governance/Policies/Finance
A.
New Board Member Selection (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan presented Mr. Ahmet Dulger's application for consideration to fill the vacant board seat following Ms. Kazelskis's departure. Dr. Ercan noted that Mr. Dulger had previously submitted an application during the candidate pool search that resulted in the appointment of Mr. Lengsavath.
Dr. Ercan further reported that before the public meeting, Ms. Kazelskis, Ms. Shepard, and Dr. Ercan met with Mr. Dulger to review his candidacy. Mr. Dulger was an Eastgate parent last year and is a Windmill parent this year. The full Board then conducted an open interview with Mr. Dulger, offering members the opportunity to ask questions regarding his background, qualifications, and alignment with priorities.
B.
Organizational Performance Framework Self-Certification (For Possible Action)
Dr. Ercan reported to the Board that this item was brought back for reconsideration due to a clerical error on the previously submitted form by Ms. Shepard. Specifically, Question 8 was inadvertently marked "Yes" instead of "No." Dr. Ercan clarified the intended response and presented the corrected form for Board review and approval.
C.
NDE Dual Enrollment Credit Application Board Approval (For Possible Action)
Dr. Gunozu indicated that this is for consideration and possible approval of the 2026–2027 Dual Credit course list for submission to the Nevada Department of Education (NDE). Board approval is requested to authorize the submission of the proposed course list as part of the NDE Dual Enrollment Credit Program Application for inclusion on the state's approved dual credit course list. The proposed courses will be offered in partnership with the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), providing eligible students with the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit.
Dr. Warren abstained from voting due to her professional affiliation with UNLV.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ann Diggins |
Absent
|
| Feyzi Tandogan |
Aye
|
| Chan Lengsavath, Esq. |
Aye
|
| Brin Gibson |
Absent
|
| Ahmet Dulger |
Aye
|
| Melinda Kabar |
Aye
|
| Dr. Carryn Warren |
Abstain
|
D.
Course Catalog Approval (For Possible Action)
Dr. Gunozu indicated that Board approval is requested for the proposed updates to the CASLV High School Course Catalog for the upcoming school year. The proposed revisions include updates to the valedictorian and salutatorian criteria, academic probation policy, diploma types, and available diploma seals.
Mr. Lengsavath proposed creating a standardized policy to resolve potential ties for valedictorian.
E.
Annual Test Security Plan Submission (For Possible Action)
Dr. Gunozu explained that this is for the board to consider approval of the annual test security plan, as required by the SPCSA. In accordance with NRS 390.275, charter school governing bodies must adopt and enforce a single charter holder test security plan applicable to all campuses under the charter. The district’s plan aligns with the NDE Test Security Procedures and establishes protocols for reporting test irregularities, board notification and SPCSA communication, test material security, consistent test administration, verification of student identity and eligibility, online test administration, and response procedures for reported irregularities, including the designation of individuals responsible for investigations and related actions. Board approval is required.
F.
Annual Written Test Security Notice (For Possible Action)
Dr. Gunozu explained that, per NRS 390.275, by September 25, the school must provide a Board-approved notice on examinations and assessments to staff, students, and their parents or guardians. The notice must explain the test security plan and the consequences for violations or irregularities in test administration.
G.
Annual Provision of Assessment Whistleblower Protections (For Possible Action)
Dr. Gunozu presented the annual written summary of assessment whistleblower protections provided by the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 390.350 through 390.430. The Board reviewed the statutory requirements under NRS 390.425, which mandate that the governing body distribute the written summary of testing administration and security protections to all school officials. Following discussion, and upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board accepted the NDE written summary and voted to delegate the responsibility of distributing the document to all school officials to the school administration.
H.
Employee Handbook Updates (For Possible Action)
Ms. Peevy presented two proposed policy additions to the CASLV Employee Handbook:
1. Staff-Student Relationships and Professional Boundaries Policy: Recommends establishing clear guidelines for professional conduct, reporting responsibilities, and student protection, applicable to all personnel interacting regularly with students.
2. Military Leave of Absence Policy: Recommends incorporating explicit military leave provisions into the Employee Handbook to ensure full compliance with federal (USERRA) and Nevada statutory requirements (NRS 281.145), detailing paid military leave, PTO usage, benefit continuation, and reemployment rights.
I.
Amendment of Policy for Sponsorship of Qualified Foreign Teachers and Administrators (For Possible Action)
Ms. Peevy presented a recommendation to revise and expand CASLV’s existing H-1B Visa Sponsorship Policy. Ms. Peevy explained that, to effectively recruit and retain highly qualified international personnel, the updated policy consolidates all immigration provisions into a single document and expands the scope to include guidelines for Permanent Residency (Green Card) sponsorship alongside H-1B visas. The revised policy establishes clear eligibility criteria, sponsorship expectations, and administrative procedures for the organization.
J.
Charter Amendments (For Possible Action) 1- Expansion for Virtual School 2-Request to increase Enrollment Cap for Windmill Campus
This item was tabled.
K.
English Language Learner Policy and Plan (For Possible Action)
The Board reviewed proposed updates to the CASLV English Learner (EL) Policy and Plan for the 2026–2027 school year. Mr. Selim presented key improvements across three main policy areas: updating the mission statement to reflect current commitments to language development and equitable access, defining stakeholder roles across district leadership and staff, and updating the curriculum framework to reflect Summit K12 as the core supplemental English Language Development (ELD) platform alongside Wonders ELL components. The updates strengthen alignment with ESSA, Castañeda principles, WIDA, and SPCSA expectations, while formalizing evidence-based instructional strategies and an annual program evaluation process.
VII. Public Comments (Information)
A.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Mr. Tandogan joined the meeting at 11:09 AM.
A brief break was taken from 12:13 PM until 12:30 PM.
Mr. Dulger joined the meeting at 11:00 AM. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to elect Mr. Dulger as a Board Member to fill the seat vacated by Ms. Kazelskis. Following her resignation, Ms. Kazelskis departed the meeting at 11:13 AM.